Which Network Cable for Cameras and Intercoms? CAT5e vs CAT6 vs CAT7
When installing IP cameras, intercoms and network equipment, choosing the right network cable is crucial for speed, reliability and interference-free operation. But which should you choose: CAT5e, CAT6 or CAT7? In this article we explain the differences and help you choose the cable that best suits your application.
1. What do CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT7 mean?
"CAT" stands for Category – a standard that indicates how much bandwidth and speed a network cable can handle.
| Type | Speed | Frequency | Max. length |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT5e | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | 100 m |
| CAT6 | 1 Gbps (up to 55 m), 10 Gbps (up to 37 m) | 250 MHz | 100 m |
| CAT7 | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | 100 m |
2. Which cable should you use for IP cameras?
Indoors, up to 30 m
- CAT5e is usually sufficient for 1 Gbps
Outdoors, between a building and a pole
- CAT6 or CAT6a FTP recommended (better shielded against interference)
Long distances or many PoE cameras
- CAT6a or CAT7 for stability and less voltage drop
Always use solid-core cable for fixed installations. Stranded cable is meant for patch cords.
3. What is shielding (UTP, FTP, S/FTP)?
Interference (EMI) from power cables or motors can affect your network signal.
- UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): no shielding
- FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): foil around all conductors
- S/FTP (Shielded + Foiled Twisted Pair): foil plus a braided shield, the most resistant to interference
For outdoor use, alongside power cables or in industrial environments, use at least FTP.
4. PoE and voltage drop
If you use PoE (Power over Ethernet), the thickness and quality of the cable become even more important:
- Use CAT6 or CAT6a for PoE+ (30 W) or PoE++ (60–90 W)
- Limit the length to a maximum of 80 m for cameras with IR/zoom
- Check the AWG rating: the lower the number, the thicker the conductor (AWG23 is better than AWG26)
UMATECH supplies cables suitable for PoE up to 90 m, provided the conductor gauge is right.
5. Outdoor installation: what to look out for
- Use UV-resistant cable outdoors
- Use conduit or spiral cable wrap for extra protection
- Seal entry points with cable glands or rubber grommets to keep moisture out
- Preferably use pre-terminated cables, or crimp RJ45 plugs with waterproof connectors
6. Common network cabling mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Using UTP outdoors | Moisture and interference | Use UV-resistant FTP or S/FTP |
| Cable too thin | Voltage drop with PoE | Use AWG23 solid-core CAT6 |
| Long cable run without a switch | Signal loss | Add a PoE extender or switch in between |
| No strain relief | Cable breakage when moved | Use cable glands or clamps |
7. UMATECH supplies cable and more
At UMATECH you'll find:
- CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT6a cable on reels or by the metre
- UV-resistant outdoor cables
- FTP cables for low-interference installations
- RJ45 plugs, waterproof couplers and wall feed-throughs
- Switches, PoE injectors and test equipment
We're happy to advise you on the right cable for your project – from cameras to intercoms.
UMATECH – your connection starts here.
